Crash survivor assumes as new Philippine Air Force chief

FERNANDO AIR BASE, Batangas - A member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) of former President Corazon Aquino and a survivor of two crashes on Friday assumed as the new chief of the Philippine Air Force.

Maj. Gen. Jeffrey Delgado, the country’s 33rd Air Force commanding-general, promised to build an organization that would “ensure high levels of operational readiness to meet any contingency.”

“We shall continue the programs already laid out to enhance capability, professionalism and discipline,” Delgado said in his assumption speech.

He also stressed the need to build the character of every member of the 17,500-strong Air Force.

“Every airman should be a bedrock of discipline, law and order, practitioner of sound corps values and a warrior armed with a winning attitude,” the country’s top pilot said.

Described by his colleagues as a seasoned combat pilot, Delgado succeeded Lt. Gen. Lauro dela Cruz, who retired from the service today.

Delgado, a graduate of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) class ’82, was Armed Forces Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Programs before he was tasked to lead the Air Force.

He served as a member of the PSG of the first Aquino administration after graduating from flying school.

As a pilot, he flew MG-520s and T28 Trojan combat aircraft, T-41D and SF-260 trainers, and BN Islander multi-engine passenger aircraft.

Crash survivor

Delgado is no stranger to the risks being faced by Filipino pilots who handle aged air assets, being a survivor of crashes during his younger years.

No less than President Aquino revealed this episode of Delgado’s career in his speech during the change-of-command ceremony.

“We all know that part of being a pilot is the risk. I was told that the aircraft being maneuvered by Maj. Gen. Delgado crashed twice because of engine failure,” the President said.

“In one of the incidents, he (Delgado) almost died,” he added.

Aquino said the aircraft being manned by Delgado fell on the water, allowing him to swim and to ask the help of nearby fishermen.

“I really admire him. Despite the dangers he faced as pilot and member of the Air Force, he did not give up on public service,” he said.

The STAR tried but failed to get details about the mishaps that almost took the life of Delgado. Officials said the incidents might have happened before many of them entered the service.

Few, however, could doubt the narrative of the president, who claimed to know the new Air Force chief very well. Delgado served as Aquino’s senior military aide during the first two years of his administration.

“Because we have known each other for so long, I know what is in the heart of Jeff,” Aquino said.

“He is an honorable person, quiet and has the dignity to perform his duties and we can be sure that he will always prioritize the interests of the country instead of our self,” he added.

Upgrade efforts

Delgado promised to continue supporting the upgrade efforts of the Air Force, one of the priorities of dela Cruz, his predecessor.

“The initial delivery starting this year of various advance aircraft, new radars and modern equipment will translate to increased capabilities for air defense, maritime security and national development,” he said.

“Along with our heartfelt gratitude is the determination to skillfully use the new equipment to perform our duties.”

Under dela Cruz’s watch, the Air Force undertook an aggressive aircraft recovery program that resulted in the commissioning of 14 air assets namely three F-27 Fokker, two C-130 Hercules, two N-22 Nomad, two UH-1 helicopters, two MG-520 attack helicopters, one F-28 Fokker, one S-211 and one Cessna 210. – with reports from A. Perez and R. Mendoza